A valedictory from Hopkins Principal Vanessa Bilello

Dear Hopkins Family,

Congratulations to our families celebrating Ramadan, Passover and/or Easter: may it be filled with hope and joy! I am writing today to share a personal update. Since it is now public and has implications for the Hopkins’ community, I wanted you to hear from me directly. Earlier this week, I entered contract negotiations with Dr. Linus Guillory, the Superintendent of Schools for Brookline, MA. I have now officially accepted his offer to become the next Principal of the Lawrence School, effective mid-July.

As I believe many of you know to be true, Hopkins has been far more than my workplace for the past nine years – it is a home and family, and definitely a labor of love. The journey I’ve had here, the relationships I’ve built – and certainly, all the memories we’ve made together, have shaped me into the person I’ve become today. The values and priorities I’ve developed here will lead me into the next phase in my life, as I move onward to champion children and educators in the Brookline community.

The decision to take this leap and apply for this new role was the hardest in my life. Applying for a principalship is no easy process, nor should it be. The number of stakeholders engaged: families, students, staff, teachers, community members and district leadership, is massive. And, I firmly believe that all must have a voice at the table, to ensure that the next “captain of the ship,” is the right one for that community. As author Brené Brown says, “A brave leader is someone who says I see you. I hear you. I don’t have all the answers, but I’m going to keep listening and asking questions.” I’ve learned this from you – and I will carry this into my work at Lawrence. I channeled our Hopkins’ energy the past month – and was able to share about the wonderful things we’ve done and the community we’ve built together. I shared my vision for schools: one focused on building joy and passion for learning through a foundation of compassion. Something, I truly believe in and KNOW we have at Hopkins School!

The idea of leaving behind all we share together at Hopkins is heartbreaking and terrifying. While bittersweet, the opportunity to nurture a community of 620+ kindergarten through eighth graders, as well as the adults that support them, was one I could not pass up. This school is the one that started my educational career 26 years ago – as a special education graduate intern at Boston College. The opportunity to go “full circle,” in a district that launched my career and helped me recognize the magic that occurs inside school walls was one I could not pass up. So, I enter this next phase of my professional life with both excitement and trepidation. With sadness and a sense of pride. Change like this is scary and overwhelming; however, this is an opportunity for me to grow and develop with a new community and one I could not pass up. I will cherish the nine years I’ve had here at Hopkins.

Know that I am fully committed to Hopkins and will continue to pour myself into this school and its community until the end of our school year. I fiercely believe that a true sign of good leadership is that the results: tangible, as well as the culture created, last long after the person at the helm departs. I will work closely to support Dr. Cavanaugh and the Hopkins’ team to ensure that this transition is as smooth as possible. And, of course, a part of my heart will always remain with Hopkins. Brené Brown also says, “It is not joy that makes us grateful, but gratitude that makes us joyful.” So, I want to express my gratitude for all of you, because Hopkins School has given me great joy these past nine years.

Warmly – with love, gratitude and joy,

Vanessa